MostArts internship awarded to second-year student Vanessa Gazi
Vanessa Gazi, a second-year Alfred University student who plays clarinet in the Alfred University Symphony Orchestra and double-majors in Business Administration and Music, has joined the MostArts Festival for a two-year appointment as the Dr. Bruce Conroe ’53 MostArts Festival Business Major Intern.
Gazi’s appointment was announced by Alfred University Professor of Music Lisa Lantz, founder and Director of the MostArts Festival.
Gazi, a native Murfreesboro, TN, says the MostArts internship is an opportunity to combine the skills she is learning through her majors in Business Administration and Music, as well as social media practices. “I look forward to bringing my experiences in social media, marketing, and management, as well as my love and passion for music to ensuring that MostArts 2024 is a success.”
The dates for the 2024 MostArts Festival are July 14-20. As in the past, the festival will feature the international MostArts Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Yuval Zaliouk. Guest performers will include Anna Bray, grand prize winner of the 2023 MostArts Young Pianist Competition; jazz pianist and Alfred University Trustee David Miller ’66, and guest pianist Asiya Korepanova.
Gazi’s own experience in both business and the classical music tradition has prepared her well for serving as the Dr. Bruce Conroe ’53 MostArts Festival Business Major Intern. “I have worked in various fields that have tested both my business and music capabilities,” she notes. “And I look forward to integrating by experiences in both fields and being part of the team that makes MostArts’ magic come to light.”
About Dr. Bruce Conroe ‘53
Bruce Conroe, one of many members of his family to attend Alfred University, graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics. He earned a Master's degree in Education from Alfred in 1954 and his EdD from SUNY Albany in 1975.
Conroe was employed as a math teacher and guidance counselor before transitioning into higher education at SUNY Potsdam, where he worked as associate dean of students, assistant vice president for academic affairs, and retired as vice provost. He married Barbara Holme Conroe in 1953, and together they raised four children and shared a love of music, travel and the great outdoors. They celebrated 59 years of marriage prior to Barbara’s death in 2013.
Conroe also is a talented singer, pianist, and theatrical performer. He has participated in community theater productions and church choirs his entire life, always seeking opportunities to expand his repertoire in life and in performance.
In his funding of the Dr. Bruce Conroe ’53 MostArts Festival Business Major Internship he hopes to expand students’ experience and opportunities as well as their appreciation for the performing arts.